CFA Society Sri Lanka announced the launch of CFA Institute Research Challenge Sri Lanka 2024/25, the local round of the CFA Institute Global Research Challenge, which was officially inaugurated at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recently. 

The Research Challenge is an esteemed educational initiative aimed at promoting best practices in equity research and fostering ethical standards among university students worldwide through hands-on mentoring and intensive training. The response for this year has been remarkable, with 33 applications received from undergraduate teams across the island and 29 teams qualifying to participate from the pre-screening round, reflecting the growing interest in the competition.

In the local leg of the competition, teams of three to five students from Sri Lanka’s leading universities, spanning both public and private sectors, will prepare equity research reports. The top four teams will advance to the final round, where they will present their findings, competing for a spot in the sub-regional competition. The journey will culminate at the Global Final, scheduled for May 2025.

CFA Society Sri Lanka President Aruna Perera, CFA expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to host this prestigious global competition for the 18th consecutive year. The CFA Institute Research Challenge is a rigorous evaluation of students’ abilities in equity research, report writing and presentation. It’s a great opportunity for Sri Lankan students to compete on a global stage, showcasing their skills and learning from experts in the field. This competition not only enhances their academic knowledge but also builds a foundation for a successful career in finance.”

Project Chair Eneeshya Perera, CFA highlighted the challenge’s rigor and its value to participants, saying, “The CFA Institute Research Challenge demands commitment and excellence. Students receive mentorship from industry professionals and faculty advisors, working on a detailed analysis of a publicly traded company. They submit a professional research report and then present their analysis and recommendations to a panel of distinguished judges. It’s a real-world learning experience that prepares them for their future roles in the financial industry.”

CSE Chairman Dilshan Wirasekera shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating, “The CSE is proud to support the CFA Society Sri Lanka in this endeavour. The competition aligns with our mission to foster the development of finance professionals in Sri Lanka and supports the future of capital markets. We are excited to see the innovation and talent this year’s participants will bring.”

CFA Society Sri Lanka CEO Aruna Alwis emphasised the global significance of the competition, noting, “The CFA Institute Research Challenge continues to grow each year. Last year, over 6,700 students from more than 1,000 universities across nearly 100 countries participated. With the involvement of 150 CFA Societies worldwide, this competition provides a global platform for young talent to shine. We are proud to see Sri Lanka contributing to this vibrant international community.”

The CFA Institute Global Research Challenge continues to be a unique platform for students to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to excellence in equity research, positioning themselves as future leaders in the financial industry.

Founded in 2001, the CFA Society of Sri Lanka is a not-for-profit organisation supporting the professional development and advancement of CFA charterholders and candidates in Sri Lanka. Its membership of over 250 members consists of CEOs, CFOs, portfolio managers, equity analysts, banking professionals, investment advisors and other senior-ranking financial practitioners and over 300 candidates, mainly in the financial services sector. 

CFA Institute is the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. The organisation is a champion of ethical behaviour in investment markets and a respected source of knowledge in the global financial community. Its aim is to create an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best and economies grow. There are more than 190,000 CFA charterholders worldwide in more than 160 markets. CFA Institute has nine offices worldwide and there are 160 local societies.